If you’re looking to impress your family with a delightful seafood dish, then mastering the art of making bang bang shrimp in an Air Fryer is essential. Not only does it pack a punch with its flavorful combination, but it’s also a breeze to prepare in just a few simple steps.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Back when I first attempted to make this dish, it was for a family gathering, and I’ll never forget the look on everyone’s faces when they took their first bite. It was an instant crowd-pleaser, and to this day, my family still requests it for our special occasions. The Air Fryer made it especially hassle-free and quick, allowing me more time to spend with my guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The allure of bang bang shrimp in the Air Fryer lies in its contrast of a crispy outer layer with juicy and succulent shrimp inside. This method not only cuts down on preparation time but also minimizes the amount of oil needed, providing a much healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Moreover, the blend of the spicy kick with a hint of sweetness is sure to thrill your taste buds.
Ingredients Notes
The essential ingredients include shrimp, cornstarch, and spices for the coating, plus ingredients for the tangy sauce. You can usually find fresh shrimp at your local seafood market, or substitute with frozen ones—just thaw them properly. Cornstarch provides a crispy texture, but potato starch is a great substitute if needed.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you add the shrimp, they start cooking immediately, leading to an even, crispy finish.
Step 2
Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures the coating sticks properly.
Step 3
Coat the shrimp in a mixture of cornstarch, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for that extra flavor punch. Ensure each piece is uniformly coated.
Step 4
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Cook for 7-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5
Prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha. Toss the fried shrimp in this luscious sauce just before serving.
Storage Options
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Freeze the shrimp before coating if you plan to make them ahead; thaw completely before proceeding with the recipe.
Variations & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, use rice flour instead of cornstarch. Add a twist with different spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for varied flavor profiles. If you’re vegan, swap shrimp with cauliflower bites.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as an appetizer at parties or as a main course paired with rice or noodles. For a more casual setting, serve them in tacos with fresh slaw for a delightful meal option.
frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly well for this recipe. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating to achieve the best results.
What other sauces pair well with these shrimp? While the traditional bang bang sauce is delightful, you can also serve these shrimp with a spicy aioli or a creamy lime-cilantro dip for a flavor variation.
How can I make it less spicy? If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or eliminate the cayenne pepper from the shrimp coating to suit your taste preference.
Bang Bang Shrimp Air Fryer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Coat the shrimp in flour, then dip in a mixture of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
